Invasive alien tree species (Acacia mearnsii) shaping the energy insecurity complex in rural South Africa

Combined with the residential energy shortages being currently faced in South Africa, as well as a policy vacuum in the use of Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) as a residential energy source, the study sought to assess the drivers of utilizing the black wattle and its consequences on residential energy insecurity. A mixed sample cross sectional survey of 1184 households from Matatiele, Magareng and Greater Taung Local Municipalities was used. The Heckman 2 step model and Endogenous Switching Regression model were used for data analysis. The results indicate that marital status, main source of income, employment status and households size affected the utilization of black wattle, while tenure was a driver for the residential energy insecurity. Ethnicity was also significant in utilization of black wattle and residential energy insecurity. In addition, utilization of black wattle, favoring its clearance and having a positive perception towards its underground water usage reduced residential energy insecurity. The study concludes that various socio-economic factors drive the utilization of black wattle as a residential energy source and using it reduced residential energy insecurity. The study recommends promoting the value addition of black wattle products and further evaluation on the perceptive drivers of the use of black wattle. • Socio-economic factors drive use of Acacia mearnsii as an energy source. • Use of A. mearnsii as an energy source reduces household energy insecurity. • A. mearnsii should be promoted as energy source through value addition.